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<p>Thank you for the reply.  To clarify this particular situation a bit more... The API key is available only on a paid basis.  For some novel or new devices, a limited use (read: non-commercial) key is given to developers that apply for one.  So, a casual user is not able to obtain their own API key.  I have obtained one of these limited use keys for use in my application.
<br>
<br>This is the reason why I was inquiring about how to protect the API key within the application.
<br>
<br>Sanjeev
<br>   
<br>--
<br>EIPI (Sanjeev)
<br>Sent from my Nokia N900
<br>
<br>
<br>----- Original message -----
<br>> What people normally do in other projects I'm involved with is that they
<br>> make the API key a configuration option and pass a sample API key. That
<br>> way, anyone who uses the application is required to get an API key for the
<br>> application from the third party, and the developer does not have to worry
<br>> about his key getting misused. The instructions for installing the app then
<br>> include details about how each user goes out and gets their own API key.
<br>>
<br>> By doing it this way, you don't have keep anything secret and you should be
<br>> able to upload all the source into free.
<br>>
<br>> Personally, I've avoided the religious wars about different open source
<br>> software licenses, and I'll leave that and other questions to people with
<br>> stronger opinions on these topics.
<br>>
<br>> Aldon
<br>> <a href="http://www.orient-lodge.com/N900">http://www.orient-lodge.com/N900</a>
<br>>
<br>> -----Original Message-----
<br>> From: <a href="mailto:maemo-developers-bounces@maemo.org">maemo-developers-bounces@maemo.org</a>
<br>> [<a href="mailto:maemo-developers-bounces@maemo.org">mailto:maemo-developers-bounces@maemo.org</a>]On Behalf Of Sanjeev (EIPI)
<br>> Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 2:29 PM
<br>> To: <a href="mailto:maemo-developers@maemo.org">maemo-developers@maemo.org</a>
<br>> Subject: [New Developer]: Questions - Python Packaging / Free or Non-Free
<br>> / Software Licensing
<br>>
<br>>
<br>> Hello,
<br>>
<br>> I am developing a python/QT application for Fremantle. This is my first
<br>> application for Maemo, so I have been on a steep learning curve for the past
<br>> 2 weeks for things related to the SDK, python, QT, etc. I finally have it
<br>> (mostly) working within scratchbox, and on the device, but it is not yet
<br>> packaged. I am using a proprietary API within the code which requires my
<br>> personal credentials to be passed. The credentials are in the form of a
<br>> unique alpha-numeric string. The company that has issued these credentials
<br>> has asked that they are not to be made public. I am able to use their API
<br>> so long as I adhere to this and a few other restrictions that they have in
<br>> place. Some questions I now have:
<br>>
<br>> 1. I am researching how to package my python application for maemo.org
<br>> Extras-devel. Due to the restrictions placed on the API login credentials,
<br>> I am unclear whether the app can use the 'free' distribution. I am not at
<br>> all worried about exposing the source code, but am not sure if that can be
<br>> done without revealing the API credentials. Is there any way to distribute
<br>> my application in 'free', or does it have to be under 'non-free'?
<br>>
<br>> 2. If it is 'non-free', am I correct in my understanding that none of the
<br>> source code gets uploaded to maemo.org?
<br>>
<br>> 3. I have seen both pypackager and py2deb being mentioned in the wiki
<br>> articles on python packaging. Which one should I use? I understand that
<br>> pypackager does not have a GUI for Fremantle yet - should I wait for that?
<br>>
<br>> 4. Do I use the Extras Assistant [1] after creating my package? Does it
<br>> allow for both free and non-free?
<br>>
<br>> 5. Software licensing - I know nothing about this. What are my options
<br>> for free and for non-free? I understand that Mauku is non-free, and is
<br>> therefore under copyright by its developer.
<br>>
<br>> Sorry if any of this is very basic. My interest in Maemo is now growing
<br>> into the area of application development, and that is something that I do
<br>> not do professionally. In fact, I am very far from this area in my day job.
<br>>
<br>> Many thanks,
<br>>
<br>> Sanjeev
<br>>
<br>> [1] <a href="https://garage.maemo.org/extras-assistant/index.php">https://garage.maemo.org/extras-assistant/index.php</a>
<br>>
<br>>
<br>> --
<br>> EIPI
<br>> Mobile Tablets! Blog: <a href="http://mobiletablets.blogspot.com">http://mobiletablets.blogspot.com</a>
<br>>
<br><br></p>
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